Bosses at the Eastern Enterprise Hub and University of Suffolk hope gaming and technology students will be inspired to pursue their games ideas, after it emerged the gaming industry is one of the fastest growing locally.

East Anglian Daily Times: Digby Chacksfield , CEO of the Eastern Enterprise Hub said the games hub helped prepare students for the industry. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNDigby Chacksfield , CEO of the Eastern Enterprise Hub said the games hub helped prepare students for the industry. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Data from the Association of UK Interactive Entertainment (UKIE) suggests that there are more than 150 independent games companies in the East of England – many of which have been established since 2010, making it one of the fastest growing industries in the region.

In light of the figures, a joint project at the Eastern Enterprise Hub (EEH) and University of Suffolk, which gives third year games students a chance to set up their own independent company and develop their projects, say they hope to inspire more.

Digby Chacksfield, chief executive of the EEH, said: “We want people from all backgrounds to be entrepreneurial.

“Our unique collaboration gives us a platform to support young games designers leaving university to gain skills in leading projects and gain experience of the industry by working with experts and specialists.

East Anglian Daily Times: Miracle Tea Studios has already had success from the scheme. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNMiracle Tea Studios has already had success from the scheme. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

“These young games entrepreneurs are then able to put what they have learnt at university directly into practice in the industry.

“We want the transition from university to working in the industry to be seamless and the Ipswich Games Hub allows us to do just that.”

The games hub was launched in 2016 to address a skills shortage in the county, and has gone on to help students and graduates to showcase their games to more than 75,000 people through the Tranzfuser scheme – a project which helps people get their games to market through exposure to industry professionals and funding opportunities.

Ipswich-based Miracle Tea was awarded £30,000 through the project to launch its debut puzzle game, RUYA, last year.

East Anglian Daily Times: Computer games design senior lecturer Robert Kurta said the games hub gave a natural progression for students into the industry. Picture: SIMON PARKERComputer games design senior lecturer Robert Kurta said the games hub gave a natural progression for students into the industry. Picture: SIMON PARKER

Robert Kurta, course leader in computer games design, said: “The collaboration has allowed our students to move their game projects to the next level by integrating the core development techniques they learn on the degree with the entrepreneurial business skills they need to market their games successfully to both industry and the public.

“Whether students choose to set up their own indie games companies or move into direct employment the experience they gain is of tremendous value.”